Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek Hospitalized While in Custody

Muhittin Böcek, the mayor of Turkey's Antalya province, was taken to a hospital on Saturday after a severe coughing attack while serving a prison sentence related to a large‑scale corruption probe into the municipality. He has been detained since 5 July 2025, facing an indictment that seeks a prison term of up to 44 years for himself and several co‑suspects.

According to journalist Ali Taş, Böcek was escorted by prison staff to an ambulance during a meeting with his lawyer, left the interview early due to worsening symptoms, and told close contacts he was experiencing “COVID‑era symptoms.” Hospital officials have not released detailed medical information, but they confirmed that his condition is being monitored.

The case forms part of a broader anti‑corruption investigation targeting Antalya's municipal administration, which also implicates Böcek's son and a former provincial police chief.